The grandfather of the Medway toddler swept to her death in a freak seaside accident at Folkestone has spoken of the family's loss.

Two-year-old Rebecca Hopper and her eight-month old brother, Lewis, were strapped into their double buggy when it was caught by a strong gust of wind and ended up in about 15ft of water at the Warren Apron on Sunday.

Barry Hopper, 69, speaking at his home at Garlinge near Margate, said: "Rebecca was a wonderful girl.

"I used to see her every fortnight after watching the football in Gillingham and it was lovely to watch her progress.

"She was a lively young girl with her own individual sense of humour.

"Like most other two year olds she could be a little madam at times; mum and dad certainly knew she was around."

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• Audio: Barry Hopper talks to kmfm's Martin Jefferies about his tragic granddaughter, Rebecca >>>

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Their dad, Andrew, 38, said in a statement to police that the buggy was blown into the sea when he kissed a female friend as they strolled along the front.

More details about the tragedy emerged on Wednesday morning after a front page story in a national tabloid newspaper.

Andrew and the woman, who is believed to be a work colleague and lives in Rochester, jumped into the water in a desperate attempt to save the children.

Other rescuers, who witnessed the accident, also made frantic attempts to save Rebecca and her younger brother by trying to unstrap them.

Mr Hooper added: "Andrew is devastated at Rebecca's death. It was when he said to me, "I've lost my little girl," that this tragedy really hit home for me. Andrew was so pleased he and Sarah had had a baby girl. I always thought Rebecca was the apple of her dad's eye."

The couple, who live in Kingston Crescent, Lordswood, also have another son, 10. They have been married for more than 10 years.

Investigating officers have confirmed that A Kent police spokesman said: "I can confirm that the circumstances of the incident are correct. Investigations are on going, but we are not charging anyone at this time."

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Hopper paid tribute to their "special little girl":

"Rebecca was our sweet, gorgeous little girl. She was a special little girl with a special place in all our hearts.

"She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. We love her so much and she will be in our hearts forever."

The couple thanked staff at the Royal London Hospital for their efforts in trying to save Rebecca and the William Harvey Hospital where son Lewis is still being treated.

They added: "We would like to thank all the emergency service and the members of the public who were involved in the rescue.

"We would appreciate it if we were left alone [now] to grieve for our loss with our family."

Rebecca, who was declared dead as she was being airlifted to a London hospital, would have celebrated her third birthday next week.

As horrified onlookers watched, both adults then ran into the sea to try to save the children.

Her brother Lewis was treated for hypothermia at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. He has since been released and is now recovering at home.

The tragedy happened on the coastal path at Warren Apron in Folkestone at about 2.45pm on Sunday.

Jeremy Francis, who has a boat on the beach nearby, said he was alerted by a woman running along saying that someone was in the water.

He said: “It’s every parent’s nightmare. It's a terrible thing. When we got there were four people in the water, two small babies and two adults.

“The people who were there were fantastic. Everyone just took a role and dealt with the situation as best as they could.”

Both the Dover Lifeboat and Folkestone Coastguard team were scrambled to the scene along with the Kent Air Ambulance.

Dover coastguard Barry Woodward said: “What was supposed to be a day out turned into a tragic accident. Our sympathies go out to the family."

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~ Audio: Jeremy Francis describes the rescue attempt to kmfm >>>

~ Audio: Pete Legg from Dover Coastguard explains to kmfm what happened >>>